St Matthew’s is currently without its Ellacombe chimes and service bell which are in lockdown at a foundry in Leicestershire, but that did not stop the church’s music director Simon Hancock ringing these handbells in the garden of the rectory before his missus the Rev Helen Hancock, live-streamed her Easter message to her flock via Facebook.

“Our bells were about to be re-installed at the end of March after refurbishment but then the lockdown happened,” said Helen, whose Easter sermon (including interactive Easter egg hunt!) is also available to view on the church’s website at www.stmatthewskt6.org

“We can’t wait for the real bells to ring out once things are back to normal, but for now we have to do the best we can!” added the rector whose church in St Matthew’s Avenue, Surbiton, would normally be packed for services over the weekend – especially today, Easter Sunday.

As well as live-streaming Sunday services, Helen is also uploading a 10-minute act of worship every morning on to the St Matthew’s Church Surbiton Facebook page as well as the website to keep in touch with her parishoners.

“People in the congregation have been saying it is a real help to them and a source of comfort and basically an aid to faithful living – a support at the moment in difficult times.

“It is not something we normally do but it is something I introduced as soon as the lockdown happened as something that happens every day.”

To find out more about the services and outreach work the church is offering during the coronavirus crisis while its building is closed email [email protected] or phone 020 8390 5121.